Bill · H.R. 4898· House(119-HR-4898)
Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act
- Introduced
- 8/5/2025
- Last activity
- 8/5/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Sponsored by
- Frank Pallone
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act, known as the SEAS Act, aims to provide better support for the aquaculture and seafood industries through the Department of Agriculture. The bill mandates various reports to track expenditures, grants, and the impact of domestic versus overseas seafood processing. It requires the Department to give aquaculture producers the same consideration as animal agriculture producers when awarding grants and funding. Additionally, it establishes education requirements for Department employees and provides funding for regional aquaculture centers. The Act also authorizes competitive grants for developing next-generation technology to reduce pollution and fuel usage. Finally, it directs the creation of a crop insurance policy specifically for aquaculture products.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would business owners be better off under this?+6
The bill provides new insurance, research, and grant access specifically for aquaculture business owners.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+6
The bill provides significant funding for regional aquaculture centers and shellfish research.
Would farmers be better off under this?+5
The bill treats aquaculture producers with same consideration as traditional animal agriculture producers.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Equality in Funding: The Secretary of Agriculture must give aquaculture producers the same consideration as animal agriculture producers when awarding grants and assistance, ensuring adequate and fair funding levels (Section 201).
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Improved Employee Knowledge: Employees at Farm Service Agency regional offices will receive mandatory training regarding aquaculture eligibility and the role of aquaculture in U.S. agriculture (Section 202).
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Enhanced Industry Research and Support: The bill provides $30,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support regional aquaculture centers (Section 301).
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Technological Advancement: The Act authorizes up to $10,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for competitive grants to develop next-generation technology, such as more efficient gear and equipment to reduce pollution and fuel usage (Section 302).
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Specialized Shellfish Research: The bill expands research capabilities to include methods for increasing the survival rate and adaptability of shellfish against heat, disease, salinity, and acidification (Section 302).
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Financial Risk Management: The Corporation will establish a policy to insure aquaculture products, providing a new layer of insurance coverage for producers (Section 303).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Environmental Concerns: The bill notes that a report must be conducted to evaluate potential negative impacts of aquaculture, specifically regarding pollution, waste, and disease (Section 102).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+6Good For Farmers+5Good For Rural Residents+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+5Increases Job Creation+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+6
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- 8/5/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Kat CammackRepublican · Florida